10 Top Tips to Improve Your Home Security

Walking into your home to find that someone else invaded your space can be incredibly discomforting. Days later, you may realize they rummaged through property you missed. Whether you experienced this, or if you are looking for preventative measures, these home security tips will help deter potential burglars.

Home Security Tips

Last week, my home was burglarized. Someone entered my office window, went through all my closets, and made out with a good chunk of personal property. Replacing the property is easy, but the discomfort of someone entering a safe space is difficult to lose. This sent me looking for everything I could do to secure my home, until I made my own decisions on what to add to my home. I will include tips on some of the actions I am taking, along with additional tips you may want to consider.

1. Analyze your property

If you recently experienced a break-in, then locating a weak point of your home will be easy. Walk your property during the day and night and look for easy access points to your home. Most burglaries happen during the day, so start by making sure that windows and doors are secure. An unlocked window or weak door is a burglar’s best friend.

For night, look for access points where someone could enter your property unnoticed, and break into your home. Look for dark areas of your yard that may need some light, or areas that may need to be fenced off to deter potential invaders. Deterrence mechanisms may not always work, but another layer of home security just makes things one step harder for a burglar. The harder the job for them, the less likely they will make an attempt to get inside.

2. Put up home security signage and stickers

If you decide to purchase a home security system, you are going to get these. If you decide to go DIY with the whole project, make sure to purchase some lawn signs and stickers. This signals that you have a home security system in place, and will help stop break-ins. Try to avoid obviously fake signs if you go DIY. If you have a security system, be cautious to advertise the brand of equipment you are using, as some criminals may research a way to disable your system.

3. Secure Home Windows

Nearly 25% of burglars access their victim’s homes through a first floor window. Make sure windows are always closed and locked when you are away from your home. Window alarms can detect if a window is opened, and glass break sensors can trigger an alarm if someone breaks your window. Tie these alarms into your overall system to make sure you or the authorities are immediately notified if someone enters your home. If you need additional protection, consider purchasing decorative iron bars to block intruders from accessing your home, even in the case that they would attempt to enter.

4. Install light timers

In the event that you are not home in the evening, creating the illusion that someone is in the house can prevent a break-in. You can purchase timer solutions, or I prefer smart lights for this solution. Look into products like Phillips Hue to integrate smart lights in your home. You can schedule them to change at certain times, and you get the benefit of custom lighting around your house. Tie this into Amazon Alexa or Google Home, and you can have some extra fun at home in addition to a new security feature.

5. Install security cameras

You may find advice to install fake security cameras. This is fine, but only has the option to scare off burglars. Invest in some actual cameras that upload to an online source, and you may be able to catch someone after a crime is committed. There are a ton of good options out there that range in price. I personally like the Nest cameras, and how they integrate with other home security products that they offer.

6. Get a dog

Having a dog in the house is a major deterrent for anyone looking to break in. And to quote Ron Swanson, “Any dog under 50 pounds is a cat, and cats are pointless.”

7. Put away any tools left outside

If you are regularly working on your home as I am, it can be easy to accidentally leave a screwdriver, hammer, or ladder outside. Make sure when you complete your work for the day to store all tools inside. If someone spontaneously decides to break into your home, but does not have the tools on hand, you don’t want to be the one that provided them with the means to enter.

8. Organize with neighbors

I made the mistake of not organizing with my neighbors until after a break-in. Having a quick means of communication with your neighbors can be an excellent form of home security. Just a few days after my burglary, my neighbors contacted me to inform me that my backyard screen door was open. They noticed this after seeing it was closed after I left for an errand. Although a false alarm in that instance, quick communication like this can let you take quick action for neighbors to contact each other in case of any suspicion.

9. Keep your yard maintained

An easy sign of someone not being home for an extended period of time is an unkempt yard. Letting your lawn or landscaping get out of hand may trigger burglars to assume you are not at your residence. Make sure to keep your yard in order to let potential criminals know that the house is being actively maintained and occupied.

10. Purchase a home security system

This is the best route to go, but can be costly. If you really want to protect your home, invest in a professional security system to protect it. You will need to pay for the equipment and installation, along with monthly fees for 24/7 monitoring. Although the most costly of options, these systems have one thing that just can’t be done with a DIY job. They have someone on the other end ready to call the authorities as soon as an intruder is detected. The price and extent of equipment will vary based on your home and needs, but I highly recommend this option if you want absolute certainty that you’ve made the best step towards protecting your home.

About Me

Whether I'm publishing a book, brewing up a batch of beer, or remodeling a home to make it my own, DIY always feels right. If you are looking for inspiration for new projects, or looking to see what has worked well for me, you are in the right place.